Page 29 - 2024 Cortland Travel Guide

LIVE MUSIC
From Steeples to Stereos

These two unconventional venues are making and showcasing music in an atmosphere as extraordinary
as our county. Experience the fusion of traditional architecture and modern sound as these exceptional
establishments become the backdrop for extraordinary talents.

ROSE HALL CENTER FOR THE ARTS OF HOMER

It’s not every day that a musician has the opportunity to lay down More than 130 years ago, The First Baptist Church of Homer was
tracks beneath stained glass windows or perform live in a more than erected on the corner of Cayuga and South Main, and while it’s no
100-year-old cathedral. Breaking barriers and bridging the gap be- longer a church, this historic space has transformed into an artistic
tween tradition and innovation, art and architecture collide in perfect sanctuary. From intricate stained-glass windows to the electrifying
harmony at Rose Hall. beats of rock and roll, this church-turned-concert hall is a masterpiece
blending art and music.
Founded in 2018 by the Dan & Rose McNeil Foundation, Rose Hall
was conceptualized as a space where local, regional and national In June 2005, the Center for the Arts swung open its massive doors,
acts could perform, stream and record their music. Today, Rose Hall hosting its first-ever concert featuring the Celtic rock sensation, the
boasts a recording studio, video streaming hub, three control rooms, Glengarry Bhoys. Since then, hundreds of performers have graced the
and a tracking room, as well as a 500-seat main stage and intimate stage, playing to sold-out crowds, including the likes of Grace Potter,
90-person listening room. Every detail in the former church has been Henry Rollins, Ani DiFranco, David Sedaris and Macy Gray. And, with
thoughtfully designed to curate a unique experience, from spectacular only 400 seats in the soaring cathedral, there is never a bad seat in the
light shows for bombastic rock concerts to candlelit singer/songwriter house.
sessions in the listening lounge.
So much more than just a music venue, the Center for the Arts is home
From rock shows to orchestral performances, the wide gamut of to an art gallery, business incubators, creative workshops and studio
genres sharing the stage at Rose Hall means there is something for spaces, as well as providing a stage for local movie premiers and plays.
everyone’s taste. Whether you want to bask in the melodic melodies of This is a must-stop spot for art and music lovers traveling through
a legend or discover an up-and-coming talent. Cortland County.

Rose Hall Center for the Arts of Homer

Step into the rhythm of nostalgia

Aerosmith, The Grateful Dead, Simon & Garfunkel, The Beach Boys—this roster reads like a who’s
who of music legends from the past 50 years. Yet, it merely scratches the surface of the countless
musical acts that graced the SUNY Cortland stage. Explore SUNY Cortland’s “golden era” of cam-
pus concerts through the Musical Legacy Commemorative Project. Shadowboxes mounted in the
basement of Corey Union are packed with ticket stubs, newspaper articles, concert posters and
45 RPM records documenting performances between 1960 and 1990, including James Taylor, The
Eagles and Cheap Trick. A Steinway piano, formerly played by the acclaimed “Piano Man” Billy Joel
during the 70s at the school, remains on campus and continues to be utilized by performing arts
students. | View this permanent exhibit at the SUNY Cortland Corey Union
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